Josh Tillman adopted the alter ego Father John Misty back in 2004 after declaring himself tired of making “sad bastard music”! The former drummer with Seattle band Fleet Foxes has subsequently produced a series of highly accomplished records. His fifth album, 'Chloe And The Next 20th Century' is probably his best work yet. Father John still takes his cue from the great storytellers of the 1970s - like Nilsson, Jim Croce etc – but there is also a reflection of the glamour of Old Hollywood and the jazzy show tunes of the 1930s and 1940s. Strings swirl and pianos twinkle brightly whilst the singing is both warm and rich. There are many highlights. 'Goodbye Mr Blue' tells of a couple whose crumbling romance takes a turn for the better following the death of a beloved Turkish Angora cat. Closing track 'The Next 20th Century' salutes “the love songs, and the great distance that they came.” On his 2017 'Pure Comedy' album Josh Tillman mocked himself as “just another ageing white guy who takes himself so goddam seriously”. - But he has clearly lightened up now and “Chloe And The Next 20th Century” is a rewarding listen with some heartwarming love songs and stories, all beautifully performed and produced.